NEWCASTLE United soccer boss Joe Kinnear was rushed to hospital yesterday after collapsing at a Midland hotel hours before a crunch relegation battle with West Bromwich Albion.

The soccer boss, 62, was taken ill as his struggling team prepared for the Premiership match against bottom-of-the-table Baggies at The Hawthorns.

The portly ex-Wimbledon coach suffered a heart attack in March 1999 and retired from football management shortly afterwards due to ill health.

Yet the hospital dash did not adversely affect the Newcastle players who ran out 3-2 winners in the Hawthorns’ thriller.

A statement released by Newcastle United said: “On Saturday morning Joe Kinnear reported feeling unwell at the team hotel ahead of Newcastle United’s game at West Bromwich Albion.

“After being examined by the club’s medical staff, Joe was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, where he remains under observation.”

Kinnear had been under pressure lately as the North East club continued to struggle, standing just one point above the relegation zone going into Saturday’s game against the Baggies.

He has proved unpopular with Magpies fans after owner Mike Ashley brought him in to replace local hero Kevin Keegan.

Yet Kinnear, who has also managed Nottingham Forest and Luton, had his initial rolling monthly contract extended until the end of the season after a promising start to his reign. And he claimed last month that he had been offered a two-year deal to remain on Tyneside.

The colourful soccer boss has admitted that his earlier efforts to return to management had been hampered by the concerns of potential employers over his health.

But soon after being offered a job by Newcastle he launched a bizarre rant at journalists during a pre-match press conference, branding one reporter a “****” and swearing 52 times.

Yet last night, fans wished their manager well on unofficial Magpies’ webpage, NUFC.com.

Site user Mark said: “Never nice to see anyone to into hospital. Get well soon Joe.”

Kev75 wrote: “Hope the guy is OK, not being sarcastic but NUFC is no place for anyone with a serious health condition.”

Former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland defender Kinnear also had a successful playing career, winning the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup with Spurs.